7 Sustainable Pet Food Packaging Trends

When it comes to our pets, only the best will do.  Pets are part of the family, and today’s pet owners expect brands to treat them that way. That’s why sustainable pet food packaging matters more than ever.

Consumers want packaging that’s better for the planet, without sacrificing product quality or freshness. For manufacturers, it’s a chance to meet these expectations while reducing waste and improving efficiency. 

According to McKinsey & Co., most consumers are highly concerned about packaging sustainability and are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.  

 This shift creates a clear opportunity for pet food brands. Choosing sustainable packaging can lead to long-term cost savings, build stronger customer loyalty, and keep brands ahead of increasing regulations like EPR laws.

Here are seven sustainable pet food packaging trends to help you meet demand, reduce waste, and grow your business.

1. Eco-Friendly Recyclable Materials

Switching to recyclable materials can reduce your carbon footprint and improve your brand image. It also supports compliance with environmental standards like ISO 14001.

Many supply chain leaders are hesitant due to concerns about cost and performance. However, recyclable packaging options now include high-performance barriers that preserve freshness. These alternatives are catching up to virgin plastics in both quality and shelf life.

By choosing recyclable materials, brands can lower greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen consumer trust.

2. Compostable Packaging for Fresh and Frozen Pet Foods

Compostable packaging is another strong step toward sustainability, especially for fresh and frozen dog food. It resonates with eco-conscious pet owners and helps brands stand out in a crowded market.

To make compostable packaging work, you’ll need to plan for more than just the product. Consider factors like storage, distribution, and end-of-life handling. Many compostable materials require industrial composting conditions to break down properly. That means they often need to be taken to special drop-off facilities. Include instructions on your labels to help guide consumers on proper disposal and support your brand’s environmental goals.

Shelf stability is another point of concern. However, newer materials and coatings are being developed to maintain freshness without compromising compostability.

3. Transparent Supply Chain Data and Labeling

As sustainable pet food packaging options grow, so does the demand for transparency. Pet owners want to know exactly where materials come from and how products are made.

Clear, honest labeling builds trust and helps validate your sustainability efforts. It also supports compliance with evolving regulations. Educating internal teams is essential when shifting to new packaging formats. Verifying packaging through third-party certifications helps validate efforts and attract informed consumers.

Transparency doesn’t stop at the label. It extends to how products are packaged and delivered. That’s where bulk and multi-pack formats come in.

4. Bulk and Multi-Pack Formats

Another way to reduce environmental impact is by rethinking packaging volume. Bulk and multi-pack formats are gaining popularity for their ability to cut down packaging waste and improve efficiency.

Upfront costs may seem high, but the long-term savings add up. Bulk formats reduce packaging waste by offering larger pet food bags that don’t need to be purchased as frequently as their smaller counterparts. Multi-packs reduce food waste by allowing pet owners to open and use only what they need. Whether you’re looking for rigid pet care packaging solutions or flexible packaging options, bulk and multi-pack formats are a great option. 

5. Advanced Barrier Technologies

Barrier technologies continue to evolve to meet growing sustainability demands. They play a key role in keeping pet food fresh, whether it’s moist, dry, or freeze-dried.

Today’s innovative solutions can be integrated into recyclable or compostable materials, helping brands reduce their environmental impact without compromising product quality.

Although advanced barriers may come with higher upfront costs, they often lead to fewer returns and less spoilage. Over time, these savings can outweigh the initial investment.

Barrier Material Options

Choosing the right barrier material is essential for maintaining product quality while supporting sustainability goals. Many pet food brands are moving away from virgin plastics and exploring recycled, recyclable, or compostable alternatives. Below are some of the most effective materials and innovations currently shaping the future of sustainable pet food packaging.

Recyclable Plastics

• PET (rPET) and HDPE: Strong barriers, widely recyclable.
• LDPE and PP: Great for flexible or rigid packaging, recyclable in many areas.

Biodegradable Plastics

• PLA: Made from cornstarch or sugarcane, compostable under the right conditions.
• Cellulose-based plastics and PBATs: Emerging alternatives gaining traction.

Recyclable Metals

• Aluminum: Excellent protection from oxygen and moisture.
• Tin: Similar to aluminum, commonly used in pet food cans.

Innovative Solutions

• RE-BA (Resource Efficient Barrier Alternative): Monomaterial barrier that’s recyclable and moisture-resistant.

6. Innovative Printing Techniques with Low Environmental Impact

Sustainable materials are just one piece of the puzzle. How you print on packaging also impacts your environmental footprint.

Digital printing and eco-friendly inks reduce harmful emissions and reflect a brand’s commitment to sustainability. These techniques also help your packaging stand out on shelves.

Design updates can feel costly, but they pay off. Clear, high-quality graphics improve brand perception and build consumer trust. Premium pricing becomes easier to justify when packaging design feels authentic and responsible.

7. Partnerships Driving a Circular Economy

As packaging evolves, so should the systems that manage its lifecycle. Building partnerships is key to creating a circular economy.

Working with recycling facilities and trusted suppliers helps ensure packaging is reused or properly processed after use. It also reduces waste and improves compliance with sustainability regulations.

These partnerships can lower overall supply chain costs and create more efficient disposal pathways. Look for vendors with third-party certifications and clear sustainability standards.

Consumers notice when brands lead with transparency and collaboration. These values build lasting trust and long-term loyalty.

Partner with Paramount Global for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Sustainable packaging is reshaping the pet food industry. Brands are looking for solutions that reduce waste and support long-term growth.

At Paramount Global, we help you meet those goals with confidence. Since 1976, we’ve delivered innovative packaging backed by full-service supply chain support.

Our services include inventory management, warehousing, and logistics designed to streamline your entire packaging strategy.

Need customization? We offer expert custom packaging design to help your product stand out on the shelf.

Our pet care packaging solutions are built to drive ROI and strengthen your brand reputation.

Contact us today to schedule a free packaging assessment consultation and see what’s possible.